Seven years ago

VFW hosts 9/11 vigil

By Tim Barnum
Staff writer

Posted
9/3/08

STANDISH — The Standish Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 3724 is hosting a Sept. 11 vigil at the Standish Historical Depot and Welcome Center to remember the life-altering day and recognize the victims, their families and the selfless responders who worked to save lives, bring closure and move forward after the tragedy.

According to Marilyn Metiva, the vigil coordinator for the VFW, this year’s 9/11 vigil will be the third one the VFW hosts.

“The first one was for the one-year anniversary. Then I did the five-year (anniversary),” Metiva said. “Those were both candle light vigils.”

She also added the vigils were in front of the Arenac County Courthouse and approximately 200 people attended each ceremony.

This year’s, though, will be different, as the location has changed to the depot’s bandstand, where Metiva says Reverend Devin Chisholm will provide a vigil message.

“I think that the 9-11 memorial service is an appropriate thing to do. … 9-11 changed the world and the way everything happens in the world,” Chisholm said, adding he remembers conducting a Tuesday morning Bible Study the moment of the attacks that shook the U.S. “I’m grateful for the opportunity. … It’s one of those days that we’ll always remember.”

Metiva also says local firemen, police officers and paramedics will be on hand so the public can show their support and appreciation for local responders whose duties are similar to the ones New York responders had to carry out on a larger scale after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

And since the vigil will be at the depot bandstand, Metiva says no matter how many residents from around the county want to attend, space will be available.

“I talked to Dollar Daze. They (people going to the vigil) can park in their (Dollar Daze) parking lot and Sequin Lumber’s as well,” Metiva said.

The Sept. 11 vigil begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 989-846-4108.